September 29th, 2017 — DEVOTE

As my brother’s and sister can attest, we had a great dad. But, can I tell you, he was a tough dad. He meant what he said and said what he meant. He never lowered the bar for any of us. As a matter of fact, I think he always raised the bar. He had high expectations and he wanted each one of us to meet those expectations. He never asked us to do something he himself was not willing to do.

I remember being in first grade, coming home with my report card. That night when I gave it to my dad, he looked at it and asked what I thought about it? Of course, I thought it was O.K. It was all A’s and B’s, plus one C. I had no failing grades. But he wanted to talk about that one C. He asked me if I knew what “capable” meant. I was only in 1st grade, so I told him, I didn’t. To which, he told me to get the dictionary, and look it up. I got the dictionary, was rifling through the pages only to realize that I not only didn’t know the definition of the word capable, but I didn’t even know how to spell it.

After he helped me find it, he asked me to read the definition. He then asked me if I thought I was capable of getting a better grade than a C? It was his way of pushing me to do better and be better. He knew what I was capable of and he wanted me to match that capableness. He knew that if I worked a little harder, I could do it. And he was right!

I recalled that moment in time with my dad while I was reading what the Apostle Paul wrote to the church members at Thessalonica. He told them…“Finally, my dear friends, since you belong to the Lord Jesus, we beg and urge you to live as we taught you. Then you will please God. You are already living that way, but try even harder.” 1 Thessalonians 4:1 CEV

A few verses later he says…“We don’t have to write you about the need to love each other. God has taught you to do this, and you already have shown your love for all of his people in Macedonia. But, my dear friends, we ask you to do even more. Try your best to live quietly, to mind your own business, and to work hard.” 1 Thessalonians 4:9-11 CEV

Here’s my word of encouragement for you today: Because your a follower of Jesus, don’t settle. Don’t be satisfied with mediocrity. You are above average, so live that way!

Father,I am different because I am Your child. You don’t lower the bar for me because You know with the Holy Spirit in me, what I’m capable of. Help me to live in Your capableness. In Jesus name I ask this, Amen.